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GOLDEN MOMENTS, 



AND 



fsaCtMENts of the year. 



BY iMISS M. A. DANIEL, 

AUTHOn OF TIIK " DKW OF IlERMON, 



Soino (ioldrn MouK'Ut.s tlcw aloug. 

I canglit them by the wing ; 
.My Muse, who has an ear for soiig, 

is teaching them to sing. 



•tJathrr lip llio IVagnieuts that I'emain that nothing be lost.'' 



BATH: 

OR THE . 

1864. ■ 'C0PYR!(3HT 



PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOK. ^9^^ '^' ^^- 



2>, 



11 3*^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, 

BY MARTHA A. DANIEL, 

In the Clerk's Office of the U. S. District Court of Maine. 




Amid wars and rumors of warn 

IN THE OUTER WOELD, 

How pleasant to retire within to spend a few 

AROUND THE HEARTH-STONE OF THE HEART, 

WHERE WE MAY GATHER " FRAGMENTS 

TO RAISE A MONUMENT 

Sacred to the memory of departed loved ones. 



TO THE WIVES AND SISTERS, 

MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS 

Of those who have left their dear ones behind 

To engage in the present national conflict 

This little volume, 

IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 

BY 

THE AUTHOR. 



OOLDEN MOMENTS, 



THE PAST, PRF.SENT AND FUTURE, 

IIow oft the past with changing hue, 

Obscures the present hour, 
And hopes again our souls renew 

And gives us strength and power. 
The future points us onward through 

To beauty's land of dreams, 
Where purple flowers are bathed in dew 

Beside the silvery streams. 

The present moment is forgot, 

The point on which we stand 
With all its charms we heed it not, 

But dwell in fairy land. 
The past we never can recall, 

ThQ future is unknown ; 
The present now is here for all, 

Be c|uick before 'tis flown- 



tiOLDEN MOMENTS, 
TO MY BR.OTHKR. 

Do you remember, Brother, 

The hill side and the wood. 
The little pond of water, 

The cot that near them stood ; 
Where, at the close of even, 

Around the fireside drew 
A Father, now in heaven. 

Whose fiice we no more view ? 

Do you remember, Brother, 

The voice we used to hear, 
The welconje voice of Mother 

That dried the childish tear V 
Alas ! how years are fadino; 

The locks upon her brow ; 
For time is e'er invading, 

And death is neaier now. 

Do you remember. Brother, 

The spring upon the green, 
Where first with childish wonder 

The clear blue sky was seen V 
And where we spent the hours, 

All through the summer time, 
To pick the tiny flowers, 

Ov up the hill to climb. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

Do you remember, Brother, 

How tenderly we cluna; 
Together, with another 

Whose merry laughter rung ; 
The little stones we taught her 

To pick upon the ledge, 
And throw into the water 

Across the cedar hedge. 

Then chide me not, my Brother^ 

If yet to thee I cling, 
As when in youth no other 

Sat by the bubbling spring : 
Though we have long been parted, 

And years have rolled away 
Since we the journey started, 

It seems but yesterday- 

think then, my dear Brother, 

Although the world is cold, 
My heart is young as ever^ 

For love is never old. 
And should old age e'er whiten 

These flowing locks of mine, 
The cord will only tighten 

That binds my heart to thine. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 



LITTLE JAXE. 



LUtle Jane, the subject of this narratite, was one 
Ivho, by her amiable disposition, won the love and ad- 
miration of all who knew her. 

The stranger was not unfrequently seen, standing 
as if spell bound, gazing on those lovelj features 
beaming with intelligence. 

But more especially was she beloved and appre- 
ciated within the bosom of her own little circle. She 
always shared the kindness and attention of her elder 
sister, whose happy lot it was, in return, to receive 
her fond caress, and participate in all her innocent 
pleasures. 

And well do I remember that joyous laugh ringing 
merrily through the groves, or over the hill-side, as 
she bounded along in pursuit of some object which 
attracted her attention. Little Jane was not only 
happy herself, but she diffused a loving spirit through 
all the circle. 

Those were happy days : but they, like all other 
earthly joys, must have an end : and thus it was ; 
for soon, very soon, the parting came. And as the 
time of Annie's departure drew near, Jane was often 
heard to say, '*You will come back again, Annie, you 
will come back and see me." 

At last the hour arrived : the carriage stood ready 
at the door : little Jane anxiously watched while An- 
nie took the parting hand of those who had hitherto 
been the guardians of her youth : and then, spring- 
ing forward, she clasped her little arms about Annie, 
Unwilling to let her go. They took Jane with them 



GOLDEN MOMKNTS. 

and drove slowly away. After taking the parting 
kiss, she consented to be borne back by her father to 
the cottage. 

Days, weeks and months passed away with An- 
nie, still the image of little Jane was ever before 
her. Although she saw many who were called beau- 
tiful, none could take the place of little Jane in her 
affections. And often would she see her in her 
dreams, with that same sweet smile, and hear that 
same voice, saying, "You will come back again, An- 
nie." 

During her absence, her father was removed by 
the hand of death ; and although this sad intelligence 
arrived at a very late period, she resolved at once to 
return. And how tedious were those hours, as one 
village after another aiose before her and disappeared 
again in the distance. 

At length she arrived at the well-known cottage ; 
yet, how changed ! As she approached the dwelling, a 
sadness came over her mind, she hardly knew why. 
The door being unclosed, she entered ; a solemn si- 
lence reigned within the apartment ; and the first 
object that met her eyes was a child somewhat ema- 
ciated, which she concluded belonged in the village. 
She immediately inquired for her friends ; the child 
gazed upon her, but not a word escaped her lips. 
"Do you know me ?" said Annie, at the same time 
adding, "Is this Jane?" The child threw herself 
into Annie's arms. Annie could suppress her grief 
no longer. Was she deceived, or was this her once 
idolized sister ? 

Disease had laid its fatal hand upon that delicate 



6 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

frame, until those eyes once sparkling with joy had 
heeome dim, and that gladsome voice was now low 
and sad. In vain did Annie strive to discover one 
look by which she might recall those happy feat- 
ures ; for no trace of its former comeliness was visi- 
ble. This was more than she could well bear ; she 
turned away and wept. 

As the years rolled away, she often visited the 
scenes of her childhood, but not with that gay and 
joyous spirit as in former years; but with a sad and 
melancholy recollection of the past No more she 
met that affectionate glance, which had been the light 
of her youthful hours ; for now it was changed. 

It was a calm and beautiful day in February that 
she sat out on a tour to visit the country, and spend 
a short time with her early friends. 

She had not seen Jane for some time ; she, there- 
fore, made no delay in finding her way to a beautiful 
country residence, where she found Jane was stop- 
ping. On her arrival she rang at the door, when a 
young Miss of some sixteen summers unclosed the 
door and bade her enter. But no sooner had she 
spoken than they were in each other's embrace. 

happy meeting, when there she found her sister, 
and traced those features in all their former loveli- 
ness ; heard the same sweet voice, and felt the warm 
embrace, as in days when they sported together be- 
neath the shady grove. 

The goddess Hygeia 

Restored her to health ; 
Brought beauty and gladness 
More precious than wealth. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 
THE MOTHER'S DYING PRAYER. 

In yonder vale, where plenty 

Around the cottage smiled, 
A Mother, pale and mournfnl, 

Led forth her infant child. 
Wild flowers were blooming round him- 

The brooklet at his feet — 
And birds with gayer plumage 

Sang in their lone retreat. 

His faithful little "Carlo" 

Kan nimbly at his side, 
His favorite companion 

Since brother Charlie died. 
Two graves lie near the willow 

Just rising there in view ; 
His father there is buried, 

And brother Charlie too. 

Slowly, where they were resting, 

The mother's step drew near, 
To strew the fragrant flower. 

And shed affection's tear. - 
Her little child came trembling, 

With tears in his eye, 
Saying, "My dearest mother. 

Why does not Carlo cry ?" 



GOLDEN MOMKNTS. 

"My clear little Willie,"— 

badly the mother said, 
"Carlo most surely knows that 

Your brother dear is dead. 
For he has such a nature, 

That grief will oft control 
His instinct — but remember, 

He's made without a soul." 

"Well, Mother, I remember, 

He said, with glad surprise, 
My brother Charlie had one, 

I saw it in his eyes !" 
The mother could not answer, 

But silently withdrew ; 
Ard day by day so sadly 

Her cheek much paler grew : 

Until one day in Autumn, 

Beneath the willow shade. 
Beside her loved companion, 

Was that fond mother laid. 
To that endearing spot, whore 

The autumn leaves were strown, 
Would that beloved child go 

To pray and weep alone. 



GOLDEN JiOMENTS. 

One cold, damp night they missed him 

Long from his little bed ; 
They searched — at last they found where 

He lay beside the dead. 
They bore him to his chamber, 

And then, in grief and pain. 
He wept the long, lone hours, 

And pressed his fevered brain. 

At morn, a kind physician 

Was called for his relief; 
His pulse was quickly beating, 

His words were faint and brief. 
When questioned why he wandered 

Alone at midnight hour, 
iie said, 'I carried mother 

x\ pretty rosey flower.' 

O, if I had a brother 

To love me and be kind, 
Then would I ask, never^ 

Another soul to find. 
Are not these people soulless, 

Who never weep or pray V 
'Tis so with little 'Carlo,' 

I heard my mother say." 



JO GOLDEN MOMENT?. 

The good man ceased to listen ; 

His overflowing heart 
Breaks forth in words of kindness. 

While tears of pity start. 
One moment, and the child with 

His arras around him thrown ; 
Exclaimed, I've found a soul, now 

I shall not be alone. 

He showed the child his mansion, 

And asked him if he'd go 
And be a little doctor ? 

He quickly answered, "No ; 
My mother prayed to heaven, 

Last time I heard her pray, 
That I might j^reach the Gospel 

On earth some future day." 

He took the orphan with him. 

And loved him as his own ; 
The boy now soon recovered , 

For he was not alone. 
A darling bright-eyed daughter 

With spirit pure and true, 
W^as now his sweet companion^ 

And all his sorrows knew. 



^<OLDEN M0x\IKNT8. H 

They grew like lovely flowereU ; 

And oft would they repau- 
Near where that mother rested, 

And pour the fervent prayer. 
They prayed their heavenly Father^ 

Who reigns supreme in love ; 
That mother's dying prayer 

Might now be heard above. 

Their heavenly Father heard them. 

And answered their request ; 
Their souls are ntrvv united. 

And they are doubly blest -; 
That son is now a preacher ; 

The daughter is his bride ; 
JJe's on his holy mission, 

With Mary by his side. 



TO AMAKDA. 

Around the arch 'mid azure sky, 

'Mong shining orbs of heaven, 

Along their path where oft on high. 

New joys to thee were given ; 

Dwells with delight my spirit there, 

Aud breatljies for thee her fondest prayer^ 



12 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

ON THE DEATH OF A FRIENI^ 

Let Bvorything be pleasant — 

(She smiled and meekly said ;) 
As, near the ^Yaves of Jordan, 

My willing feet I tread : 
For there are pleasant visions 

Now passing near my view, 
And short must be the journey, 

I cheerfully pursue. 

See, Jordan^s waves dividing — > 

I'm passing safely o'er ; 
T soon shall see my Savior, 

Upon the other shore : 
Then let no voice of mournino;; 

Be raised in grief around ; 
For now my soul is hearing 

A sweet and heavenly sound. 

And when my grave you visit, 

Think of that better land, 
That all the saints inherit, 

A happy, praising band ^ 
And think that soon, together 

Our voices will be raised ; 
Tn one eternal chorus, 

Our Savior sliall be praiseti 



UOLDEX MOMENTS. 



A CHRISTMAS SCEXE. 



We are not going to entertain our readers with any 
of the miraculous feats of Santa Claus, nor enter into 
a minute delineation of manners and customs, which 
are of too great antiquity ?nd too frequently observed 
in modern times to need description ; but we will in- 
troduce our friends without much ceremony, to one 
of our public institutions. 

After passing up a long flight of stone steps and 
throuo;h the street door, then up another flight some- 
what shorter, you will find yourself in the rotunda, 
containing a large globe covered with raised maps of 
all parts of the earth ; on your left is the receiving 
room. The first object that meets your view is a 
a rich painting of an English hunting party, with 
other ornaments. Here you will await until an at- 
tendant appears to conduct you through the several 
apartments. As you pass along, you hear the inno- 
cent prattle and merry laughter of childhood. Yon 
turn in that direction, and down comes a score of 
little boys over one, two, three flights of stairs, with 
such rapidity that you can scarcely see their feet. 
You think you hear the sound of music, and soon 
you are ushered into the spacious drawing-room on 
your right. On entering, you are greeted with the 
sweet notes of a piano, in front of which is seated a 
little girl of some eight or ten summers, f^.he is ex- 
ceedingly fair and of exquisite mould. But some- 
thing in front of her delicate features attracts your 
attention. It is made of green material and so 
formed as to shade both eyes from the light. 



14 tiOLDEN MOMENTS. 

No doubt jou will perceive this dear girl is blind. 
Wbat, blind V Yes, blind ! and this institution is no 
other than an asylum for tliose who are born blind, 
or who have become so by accident or otherwise. 
Here they are taught in all the useful branches of 
science and art. 

My first visit to this institution chancfed to be near 
Christmas time. The evening previous, the storm 
was raging without, and all was darv and dreary. 
As the bell struck the hour of nine, numerous little 
feet went pat, pat, pat, up the stairs and through the 
long hall, 'till all were quiet again in their snug little 
beds. In about an hour after, I saw suspended from 
one post of each bedstead, a stocking all prepared to 
receive their Christmas presents as usual. I took 
great care not to awaken them from their peaceful 
slumbers, and soon quietly retired to the adjoining 
room allotted me for the night. 

I could not tell how long I had slept, when I was 
suddenly aroused by a cracking and snapping near 
my room. I raised my head and listenecl awhile. I 
soon found it came from the little bed in the corner ; 
presently I heard a soft whisper, then a little louder, 
and yet louder, until I heard tne name of Julia dis- 
tinctly pronounced ; but no answer came. In the 
meantime, I heard the same cracking and snapping 
as before : still the name was called at intervals, un- 
til I heard a half-awake answer from the occupant in 
the next bed. This was enough to give encourage- 
ment to the former, who continued : "Have you 
looked in your stocking?" The mystery was now 
explained. The former liad taken the contents from 



GOLDEN MOMKN'i'ri. 15 

her stocking, which proved to be candy, nuts, &c., 
and had been quietly cracking and eating them at 
leisure ; but she did not feel content to enjoy her re- 
past alone. She had therefore been calling her friend 
Julia, that she might have her company and enjoy 
their gifts together. Julia, however, did not feel 
disposed at first to mind the frequent calls of her 
friend, and said she should not look inher's till morn- 
ing ; but the cracking of nuts was too groat an in- 
ducement, and she soon commenced looking, as her 
friend called it, in her own stocking. By this time, 
a half a dozen more were up, each in turn examining 
the presents they found in their stockings. Not long 
before all were up engaged in the same diligent ex- 
amination. Then began the description of the dif- 
ferent articles there found. One said she had a blue 
sugar tub ; another a red kitten ; the third thought 
her candy might be green. And thus these little 
blind girls were having as merry a Christmas as you 
do who have eyes to see. 

By and by, one of them thought perhaps they 
were making too much noise, and commenced cau- 
tioning the rest, saying, she thought Miss Low slept in 
the next room. "'Why," said one, "what makes you 
think so ? "Because I heard her come up, last night," 
was the reply. Upon hearing this, some of the young- 
er ones began calling, "Miss Low ! Miss Low I ' 
But fearing that a knowledge of my presence might 
be a restraint and thus diminish their happiness, I re- 
mained quiet. And then an almost breathless si- 
lence ensued. • At last, one said, "I cannot hear her 
breathe." "Perhaps she is dead," said another. But 



16 VJOLDEN MOMENTS. 

the most of them said they did not think she was 
there, and so they went on with their play as before. 
Their feet were becoming cold, and they concluded 
to hop into their beds. After all was still, I acei* 
dentally coughed, when they suddenly started up with 
surprise. "VVhy did you not speak,'' said one little 
girl, when I called you V ''0," said I, "you were hav- 
ing such a good time, I thought I would not interfere. 
I like to see children enjoy themselves and be happy 
together." They were then very eager to tell me 
what they had for a present, and what the rest had. 
And thus the time passed on until the rising bell was 
heard, sounding out on the morning air. It was yet 
quite dark, but this mattered not, as the night and 
day are both alike to them. 

They arose at five in the morning, took a good 
bath ; then, after dressing, repaired to the chapel, 
where they all joined in singing, accompanied by the 
rich notes of an organ, skillfully played by one of 
their own number. Then followed the Lord's Pray- 
er ; after which they all prepared for breakfast. Here, 
happy, smiling faces were seen, patiently waiting to 
be helped, while "I wish you a merry Christmas" 
was heard from all parts of the room 

Usually, the forenoon is spent in study, and the 
afternoon in labor. In the evening, they gather in 
different rooms, to listen to some one or more of their 
teachers while they read from books calculated both 
to interest and instruct their minds. 

Then think, my young friends, if these blind lit* 
tie girls and boys are so happy, how much greater 
reason you have to be happy ; for you can see th<» 



UGLDEX MOMENTS. 17 

little violets that peep up in the Spring, beside the 
babbling stream, or along the foot-path, and can be- 
hold the beautiful rose, that blooms in mid-summer 
air, and many other pleasant sights which they never 
can see. L^arn, then, to be thankful to Grod for all 
your powers, and devote them early to his service, 
and you will not only be happy, but useful. 



THE HAPPIEST DAY, 

When fancy, with her fairy wing. 

Swift o'er the past our spirits bear; 
From memory's store, fresh flowers to bring, 

And gems with diamonds glistening there : 
We sit again beneath some shade, 

Beside a stream at eyen-tide ; 
A blooming wreath our hands have made. 

Lies withering near the fountain side. 

V\[eWe thrown the pebble, chased the bee. 

And sported near the cooling brink ; 
'Till, tired with youthful sports and glee. 

Upon a flowery bed we sink : 
Theii bounding o'er the hills again, 

Hastening to meet a mother dear. 
Who, through the long, long time, has lean 

Anxious again oar steps to hear. 
4 



1 8 OOLPEN MOMENT??. 

Then sisters' voices, how sweet I 

And brothers, hand in hand, draw near^ 
They come again with smiles to greet. 

With kisses and caresses dear. 
A father's hand, we now embrace, 

His watchful eye soon meets our own ; 
A smile plays o'er his furrowed face, 

When we our little wants make known. 

We tell him all our pleasures o'er, 

And sorrows, (for we have them too ;) 
For near our humble cottage door. 

We'd plucked a rose so fair to view, 
But 'neath its fragrant leaves, a thorn 

Was hid, that pierced ere we could gain 
Our llowerett in the early morn, 

And through the day we d felt the pain. 

Thus through life, where pleasures dwell, 

Pain mingles with all earthly joy ; 
In vain, doth memory strive to tell 

One single day without alloy. 
But where the Savior deigns to dwell, 

There peace and love forever reign ; 
could I half these pleasures tell, 

Whil^ life ?inc} health to nw remain ■ 



nOLDEN MOMENTS. 19 

Oue fair Autumnal morn arose, 

Where freedom spreads her eagle wing, 
When all refreshed with sweet repose, 

Began their Maker's praise to sing ; 
A boat lay anchored near the shore, 

And many hurrying to and fro, 
For in a few short hours more, 

Gliding o'er the waves we go. 

Soon the appointed hour drew rear — 

We went on board that blessed boat ; 
How fair the banks we leave appear. 

As onward o'er the waves we float. 
I took my seat alone, awhile, 

Where I might watch the dashing spray. 
And thus the sunny hours beguile. 

From morning till the close of day. 

Then songs of praise to God arose 

From many a peaceful, prayerful heart, 
That feared not all their inward foes ; 

But, in those songs, I had no part. 
We reached the spot ere Sol's last rays 

Had faded from the western sky ; 
bay, are not those our happiest days, 

When swift the gilded moments fly "i 



20 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

But vain to seek our pleasures here, 

While sins within the heart remain ; 
Oh, dark must be that heart, and drear, 

Where sin, in triumph, yet doth reign ! 
I long had sought true joys below. 

Till darkness spread o'er all my sky, 
But now I turn my eyes, and lo ! 

A star was beaming from on high. 

A rapturous awe now filled my heart, 

And love, triumphant, reie;;ned within ; 
How sweet with every thing to part. 

With every folly, every sin ! 
And when the golden wings of morn 

Spread over all the eastern hills, 
No clouds again appear, they're gone, 

The sky is clear, the waves are still . 

And when the question, Lovest thou rae V 

Was asked, as if an angel spoke, 
Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee, 

I answered, and the silence broke. 
How calm those hours then passed away, 

For wisdom's ways are ways of peace ; 
I count this, then, the happiest day, 

.A day of joy, a day of grace, 



viOLDEJi MOMENtS. ^f 

MY LOST BIBLE. 

Thou friend and companion through years that are 

passed, 
O, hast thou departed and left me at last? 
Hast left me to sigh for thy pages of truth, 
Those pages that guided the steps of my youth? 
How oft will thy memory bring pleasure and pain, 
Bring pleasure that thou hast not taught me in vain ; 
Bring pain at thy leaving without a good-bye, 
Thus breaking asunder the tenderest tie. 

Now, bearing the impress of many a year, 
And bathed in the drops of the penitent's tear. 
How soiled are thy pages, and torn are thy leaves. 
Yet, for my lost teasure, my heart ever grieves. 
O, long be the years thy instructions may last, 
And bright be thy future, as bright as the past, 
For strangers may grasp thee, whose lips are profane^ 
With hands that have counted their ill-gotten gain. 

But whoe'er shall read thee with fervent desire. 
Do thou, with the spirit of truth, them inspire, 
Until they shall love thee as fondly as I, 
And oft for thy presence in solitude sigh ; 
But if of thy place or thy station I learn, 
O welcome, thrice welcome shall be thy return ; 
I'll press thee forever with love to my heart. 
And never again, until death, shall we part,. 



|2 GOLDEN MOMErfTfe- 

THE »*FAR WE«T.'>' 

The far west ! The far west I 
With prairies surrounding — 

The grove and the forest 
With echo resounding — 

While buffaloes wildly 

O'er the prairies are bounding— 
1 sigh for the landscapes of far western shores. 

The far west I The far west I 
Where cottagers, lonely, 

Awake after long rest, 
Accompanied solely 

By faithful dog "Fido ;" 
Such views present only 
An ideal picture of far western shores. 

The far west ! The far west I 
Where high on the mountain, 

The eagle leaves her nest, 
And bathes in the fountain ; 

Or where'er the Indian 
Roams o'er the domain 
Allotted to him on far western shores. 



'^^OLDEN- MOMENTS. 2t 

Tlie far west ! The far west ! 

Whore broad Mississippi 
Now bears on her dark breast. 

All bound for some city, 
Those ships fully laden ; 

With union and liberty, 
Gliding on swiftly to far distant shores.. 

The far west ! The far west ! 

Where thousands are going, 
A land that with gold dust, 

Like water o'erflowing, 
All leaving their loved ones, 

Without ever knowing 
7^hey e'er shall return from that far distant land. 

But when w^ill tlie far west, 

Its idols denouncing, 
And priests who, in robes dressed, 

Pretentions renouncing. 
Like servants of Jesus, 

Glad tidings pronouncing, 
EnlighteH the darkness of far western shores. 

For lo, in the far west. 

Now many are pining 
For treasures the richest 

In Christ ever shining ; 



24 «H)LDEN MOMENTS- 

But, 0, may our labor, 
With prayer entwining, 
Soon reaeh their sad hearts on the tar western shore*. 

Even now, o^er the far west. 

An angel is winging 
His way through the darkness. 

Salvation he's bringing : 
And, soon will tliey, joyfully. 

With hosannas singings 
llesound their glad sonsjs on the far western shore. 



TO A FRIEND. 

How oft we look with wondtyr 

On each familiar face, 
As, silently, we ponder 

And in its beauty trace 
The image of its Maker — - 

Immortal and divine. 
The Giver of the spirit 

Foreverroore to shine. 

For, lo, beneath the mantle 
That robes the immortal part. 

How many deep affections 
May hide within the heart. 



UOl.DKX MOMKNTS. 

AVo look upon tlio feutiiros. 
And say that tlioy are fair ;■ 

The heart alone is sacred, 
We may not enter there. 

But Death, the missioned angel^ 

Shall cast the vesture by ; 
The spirit then returneth 

To God, who reigns on high ; 
Then, face to face with Jesus, 

Around the gracious throne, 
We'll sit before our Father, 

And know as we are known. 



ELLEN DOYLE, 

OR 

THE MOONLIGHT SIDE. 

There is a flower, when trampled on, 

Doth still more richly bloom, 
And even to its bitterest foe 

Gives forth its sweet perfume. 

And so truth's crushed and trampled flower,. 

By injury stronger grown, 
Shall win its very foes to love, 

And make the world its own. 

After a long but pleasant passage from Liverpool,, 
we arrived on the coast of Prince Edward's Island, 
near the middle of December, 18-. On the follow- 
ing morning, we made preparations to proceed on our 



26 OOLDEN BIOMENTS. 

journey to Charlotte Town. Soon, however, we were 
overtaken by a severe storm. 

It was with much difficulty that my father succeed- 
ed in obtaining accommodations for us, as the inhabit- 
ants were quite poor, and somewhat scattered in this 
section of the country. At length, he found a fam- 
ily, consisting of a man, his wife and one daughter, 
who entertained us very kindly, offering the best their 
scanty means could afford. 

I was quite young, then, and my mind was all 
.awake contrasting this with my highland home, where 
my heart still lingers with sunny memories of my 
early days. 

John Doyle was an English Protestant ; but, hav- 
ing married a French Catholic, he was unable to 
maintain his religion without difficulty. He had, 
therefore, suffered himself to become neglectful in 
duty, and indifferent to the cause which he professed 
io love. 

Before retiring, my father asked his permission to 
pray, which was readily granted ; and here did this 
lone cottager bow at the family altar for the first time 
since his marriage. His wife, saying she would not 
hear a heretic mocker, left the room, leaving Ellen, 
the little daughter, behind. After we arose from our 
knees, Ellen exclaimed, "Why, father! Ma said you 
were not a Catholic." "I am not," the father replied. 
"Why do you pray, then ? Ma says none but Catho- 
lics pray." My father assured her that all good peo- 
ple prayed. Thus early had this young mind been 
led to imbibe this fatal error, so strenuously taught 
her by her mother from her infancy. 

The storm continuing to rage, we were obliged to 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 27 

tarry quite a long time, wliicli gave us a good oppor- 
tunity to become better acquainted. 

Ellen, the youngest of seven children, was about 
the age of my sister Maggy, to whom she became 
much attached. After our removal to Charlotte 
Town, where my father was stationed by the British 
Mission, EU^n succeeded in gaining permission to 
make us a lono; visit, which served much to strenojthen 
the attachment already existing between her and Mag- 
gy. There, beside the same bed, they knelt and of- 
fered up the same prayer to their Father in heaven, 
who hears alike the lisping infant and the anxious 
parent's humble petition. 

The character of our morning and evening devo- 
tions was peculiarly interesting to Ellen, especially 
the Chant, which she so well learned that she was 
enabled soon to join in the exercises with all the love 
and ardor of her young heart. And there, no doubt, 
the good seed was sown, that grew, budded, and 
blossomed to flourish in a Paradise above. 

During the fourteen subsequent years, she became 
a frequent visitor. Her mother was entirely uncon- 
scious of the new association until at one time on El- 
len's return she discovered a Protestant Testament 
lying upon Ellen's table. She immediately demanded 
the Testament, but Ellen declined, saying. It was 
presented by the good missionary. Her mother, for 
the first time, forbade her ever visiting again those 
whom she had long since learned to love and cherish. 

Ellen, after reading her Bible at night, would de- 
posit the same under her pillow, that she might read 
again from that holy word when she arose in the 



28 r,OLDEN MOMeM'S. 

morning ; and then, kneeling before God, she would 
ask for the "Holy Spirit" to enlighten her under- 
standing, that she might keep all the commandments 
in the fear of the Lord. Thus she early became a 
living witness to the power of God that keeps the 
young heart away from temptation, which often leads 
the youthful mind astray. 

Her father, nuick affected by the unsophisticated 
piety of his daughter, resolved to live a more devoted 
life, whatever obstacle might be presented. Truly, 
"Out of the mouth of babes the Lord hath ordained 
strength." 

The mother, on the contrary, permitted her preju- 
dice and passion so to control her mind that the affec- 
tionate flame no longer burnt upon the maternal altar, 
but hatred in all its forms took possession of her heart. 
But, by the assistance of God, Ellen was enabled to 
bear, year after year, with Christian fortitude, all the 
toils and hardships to which she was subjected as a 
punishment for her religious fervor. 

Edward Day, who was left an orphan at a very 
early age, had been educated by a Protestant gentle- 
man at Charlotte Town> who intended he should pre- 
pare for the ministi'y. 

Edward had frequently met Ellenjat ray father's, 
and, being attracted bylher unaffected piety, he had 
decided to offer her his hand. But no sooner had 
her mother received this intelligence than a plan was 
determined to defeat, if possible, his intentions. 

Patrick Sullivan, a confirmed Catholic, was invited 
to her father's, and she was compelled to receive his 
addresses. She immediatelv informed Edward of 



tifOLDEN MOMENTS. 29 

their scheme, who came without delay to her assist- 
ance ; but all in vain, she was forbidden the privilege 
of ever seeing his face again. 

Edward returned with a sad and heavy heart to 
Charlotte Town, where he consulted my father, who 
thought it a better way to let the matter rest until the 
excited mother should in some measure come to her- 
self again. 

In the meantime, Edward took a short journey to 
renew his exhausted powers and to throw ©fF the bur- 
den which so heavily weighed upon his spirits. 

Patrick still continued his visits, but without the 
least encouragement from Ellen. Her mother, fear- 
ing she might make her escape, took her to her own 
chamber. But kind Providence, which over-rules all 
things, soon defeated her wicked scheme. 

Patrick shortly left home and went on board a fish- 
ing boat, which met with a deplorable fate, and Pat- 
rick, with a number of others, ptrished. 

Ellen was now liberated, as her mother had no ap- 
prehension of Edward ever returning. Ellen soon 
made a visit to Charlotte Town, but was unable to 
ascertain the place of Edward's destination. Her 
mother, finding it impossible to induce her to change 
her views, forbade her ever coming- again under the 
parental roof. Her eldest brother, a wealthy Catho- 
lic, offered her a home of ease and luxury, if she 
would renounce her religion and embrace the Catholic 
faith. 15ut she chose rather to suffer affliction with 
the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin 
for a season. 

Left without home and earthly friends, she was led 



to tnitit herself more fully on the arni of her dear 
l^edeemer. She resolved to watch and pray more 
fervently, and count all things lost that she might win 
Christ. 

Her father, having lingered many years, the sub- 
ject of nmch pain and suffering, died suddenly, leav- 
ing her mother alone to reflect on her past life, which 
had so embittered many years of her husband's exist- 
ence. 

With shame and humility, she now desired Ellen 
to come home. Ellen obeyed the summons. But, 
alas! She only came to die. The anxiety which had 
hitherto preyed upon her mind was more than her del- 
icate frame could well bear. A raging fever soon laid 
her upon a sick bed irom which she never arose. 

My father was absent when the tidings of illness 
eanif, and my mother was unable to leave home. A 
messenger was inmicdiately dispatched to see if any- 
thing could be done for her relief. Ellen was quite 
dejected at first at the thought of not being permitted 
to see my parents in this hour of trial. She returned 
I'rie Testament which my mother gave her, saying. 
"It had been the means of her salvation, and now 
that she was leaving for another world, she wished it 
might not bo destroyed.'"" 

On my father's return, my parents set out with 
hopes of seeing Ellen once more before she died. 
But when they entered the room she had no knowl- 
edge of their presence. But a mild and heavenly 
radiance beamed forth from that lovely foce like the 
reflected ray from the eternal Son of righteousness. 

She 80 fay recovered, however, before Iloj; death. 



COLDKN MOiVJKNTS. *> I 

thaf she was perfectly conscious that her end was 
near, and rejoiced that she was soon to go where sor- 
row or pain could never come, and where she should 
be permitted to behold her Savior's face forevermore. 

It w^as her request that my father should attend her 
funeral ; but her ftither being dead, her mother had 
her buried under Catholic orders. 

In about one week from the death of Ellen, her 
mother, who had been suffering under great mental 
affliction, sent for my parents in great haste suppos- 
ing herself to be dying. My father suggested that 
we all improve this occasion to witness the dying 
hour, "For it is better," he said, "to go to the house 
of mourning than to the house of feasting." 

We accordingly n^ade preparations, and were sooii 
on our journey. We arrived just in time to witness 
a scene over which angels might rejoice. There lay 
that now happy mother near the embrace of death, 
with the praises of God still lingering on her lips. 
And there, too, was that elder brother, and there those 
sisters who had so often spurned Ellen from their side, 
but now, melted before God, they humbly bowed and 
begged for pardon ; and there, the Lord in his mercy 
spoke peace to their troubled spirits ; and before that 
mother was laid in the tomb, those sons and those 
daughters were born into the kingdom of grace. 
Truly, this was a day of rejoicing on earth as well as 
in heaven. Truth had ultimately triumphed. A 
though its ray at first was scarcely perceptible, y 
its power, continually expanding, emitted a beam of 
glory to enlighten their benighted hearts. 

And now, my readers, since we have followed this 



32 eOLBEN MOMENTS. 

short history together, let me ask, before I take my 
leave, if you see anything in the character of Ellen 
worthy of imitation ? If so, resolve at once to follow 
her example. You may not have the same obstacles 
to contend with, or the pe'-secutions which she en- 
dured, but you may have other trials and other afflic- 
tions, which will make you feel the need of a closer 
walk with your divine Master, as you will never 
find this vile world a friend to grace to help you on 
to God. 

Be decided ; and although you may see your fond- 
est wishes disappear like early dew, and the thick 
clouds of uncertainty obscure your brightest hopes, 
yet faith should look far beyond, where all is light, 
and peaee, and joy. 



AUTUMN WINDS. 

Autumn's wild melody floats in the air, 
Strains of sweet sadness oft blend with it there ; 
Winds sighing lonely where dark waters roll, 
Music mysterious speaks to the soul. 

When melancholy broods over the mind, 
When the heart vainly endeavors to find 
Sympathy, where some congenial voice. 
Might in compassion teach it to rejoice ; 

Then from the hill o'er the vale that surrounds, 
Come those same sweet and melodious sounds ; 
Sweet consolation they ever bestow. 
Sympathy lending wherever they go. 



'Mid plaintive moauings beside the death bed, 
O'er the beloved one whose spirit has fled ; 
Then as the spirit when on its way home, 
Farewell they whisper, as onward they roam. 

Love-notes like these often fall on the ear, 
AVhen tlie heart sadly weeps over the bier, 
Mingling v,ith sorrow a soft melting strain, 
8peedily soothing the heart in its pain. 

Heavenly iiuisie thus reaches the heart, 
Grief no more bidding the warm tear-drop start 5 
Angelic voices dispelling the gloom. 
While the beloved is conveyed to the tomb. 

Now the heart yielding saith, "Thy will be done.'' 

Heaven and earth seem united in one ; 

Autumnal zephyrs, submissive blow, 

Bringing a blessing for every woe. 
» <i«^ » 

ON THE DEATH OF MISS S E— , 

The Summer is passed, and the fruits of the field 
Are gathered, for all to the sickle must yield ; 
80 God, to his garner is gathering home 
His people, ere frosts of the Winter shall come. 

Sweet songstress of Israel, no more shall we hear 
That voice that so often hath greeted our ear ; 
Her mission is ended — that mission of love, 
And now she is singing in heaven above. 



34 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

But as she ascended, her mantle she left, 
For some one to cherish that brother bereft 
The love of a sister, so gentle and free, 
Shall surely be doubled, whoever she be. 



OX THE UEATH OP MiSS A. C . 

PUBLISHED BY REQUEST. 

She's gone where no Autumn shall blight the fair 

flower. 
Or where chilly Winter shall reign in its power ; 
For there shall the Spring, in its beauty and bloom, 
Enrapture the Spirit when leaving the tomb. 

No light of the sun or its heat shall be there — 
The Son of our God shall be light everywhere ; 
On heavenly manna her soul shall be fed. 
And down by the fountain of waters be led. 

Her voice is now silent on earth in the choir. 
She's praising above with a heavenly lyre ; 
And she that hath pointed to Christ in the skies, 
Beholdeth her Savior with unclouded eyes'. 



aOLDEN MOMENTS. 35 



O, L.AND OF MY FATHERS I 

O, land of our Fathers, where liberty waves 
Her banner of freedom o'er their honored graves. 
Still true to our God and our country's cause, 
We boldly defend all her righteous laws ; 
Her watchwords of love and of liberty are 
Like some blessed beacon to nations afar ; 
While fearless she stands 'mid confusion and rage. 
Triumphantly leading the march of the age ; 

Long, long may her glory shine forth as the sun, 
Till darkness and error, in vain seek to shun 
The eye of her justice, that equally scans 
The rights of her own, and of all other lands. 
Her light is the Bible, the word of God's truth — 
The guide of the aged, the guide of the youth. 
Soon, o'er the vast globe, the blest tiuth shall prevail. 
Then falsehood no more shall God's temple prevail. 



|J6 iiOhbE^ aiOME^iTS. 

THE SOLDIER'S WEATir, 

1 Chron. 21st chapter, lltL, r2lli :in<l i;itli vers'^s. 

Some (lie in tbo camp, ami .some die in tlie ]iat»]e ; 
They die where the sound €^f the loud cannons i-atile ; 
Some die on the plaiia, and some die on the mountain ; 
Their blood flows as frwi as tlie flood from iha fouia- 
tain. 

Some die <.>f disease, and some die oft of hunger ; 
Some die middle aged, but some die often j^nmger. 
Uur sons and our brothers, tlie enen)y slaughteis ; 
Uiir husliands and fathers have left wives and daugh- 
ters. 

O, (rOfl, was it prifle that Ijrought sttch desolation. 
O'er land and o'er sea, to oar on f© boasting nations? 
<), then let us weep, while we yet have our reason ; 
l)ur sins hiwt^ brought death, and destruction, and 
ti'eason. 

But, 0, could we choose, if our land be corrected, 
To 'scape from the sword, by tlie Lord be protected^ 
And fall not by foes, in the day of the slaughter, 
Nor famis]) in prison fo)- ))i'ead or for water ; 

15ut into the hands of our mercifal Savior 
We'd fall, and be chastened for all our behavior ; 
Then, send by tlie hand of disease when thou sendest. 
And take to thyself our dear friends whom thois 
Unulest. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 37 



THE HOSPITAL. 

"Two Ways of Putting Things."* 

What sad misnomer do I hear, 

While troubled lips are heard to speak, 

Whene'er thy name falls on my ear, 
They would thy benediction seek. 

And when within thy walls they lie, 
And calmly rest their aching head, 

How many stretch them out to die, 
In silence on a peaceful bed. 

What painful groans re-echo there, 

Where hearts, resigned, await their call, 

What shrieks oft rend the quiet air, 
And pass away like mortals all. 

W^hat cursed words from lips profane, 
While prayers ascend from pious hearts, 

When from the cup the dregs they drain ; 
The spirit homeward then departs. 

*l8t way— read the Ist, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th lines. 
2ad way— read the 2nd, 4Lh, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14ih, 16th lines. 



B8 OOLDEN MOMENTS. 



THANKvSGIVING, 

Praise the Lord ! he doth preside ; 
He is God, and none beside ; 
In the battle, on the field, 
He shall be our strength and shield* 

When the bitter waters flow, 
He shall healing power bestow : 
For the Gospel tree, in haste, 
Sweetens Marah to the taste. 

Praise the Lord ! for he hath made 
Us, his people not afraid ; 
For our sins we often grieve, 
True repentance we receive. 

But, remembrance of his love 
Draws our hearts to him above ; 
Then, throughout our pilgrim days, 
Jjoud we will proclaim his praise. 



OOLDEN MOMENTS. 'dVf 



MISSIONS, 



Much has been said on this subject, for the past 
few years, to arouse the present generation to a sense 
of the importance of action and energetic labor, in 
bringing about the conversion of the world, and yet 
many are slumbering under the delusion, that to the 
coming generations is committed this important work. 
And, while generations in succession pass from the 
stage of usefulness, many of our fellow-beings are 
ushered into the presence of God, who never heard 
of a Savior, or the way of life as pointed out in the 
G-ospel. 

More than eighteen hundred years have passed 
since the Savior's last command went forth : "Go ye 
into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every 
creature." 

The degradation in which the heathen nations now 
remain, will show how far this commandment has 
been obeyed. Look at the vail of superstition, and 
the mass of pollution, under which the earth groans. 

But, objections of a great variety are brought for- 
ward, whenever the subject is mentioned. It re- 
quires a sacrifice. Q'his, many are unwilling to make. 
If worldly good was the object to be obtained, no 
sacrifice could be too great. But this is not the object. 
It is the salvation of a dying world. 

Many excuse themselves from this responsible posi- 
tion, because they never have had the impression 
that such was their duty. But are not the miseries 
of the heathen enough to awaken an impression, 
deep and powerful ? Or, can we listen to the his- 



40 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

tory of their crimes, without feeling the greatness of 
our responsibilities ? These are calls that cannot be 
denied. 

Again, others plead their inability to qualify them- 
selves for this important work. But, have we not 
all the means necessary as far as education is con- 
cerned ? Our colleges and seminaries are numerous, 
free for all who are inclined to avail themselves of 
these glorious privileges. 

But the most fatal error is, the prevailing opinion 
that missionaries must possess a different spirit from 
that of other Christians. But what is it to be a 
Christian, but to be Christ-like ? And what to be 
Christ-like, but to have the spirit of Christ, which ia 
none other than a missionary spirit. But if we have 
not the spirit of Christ, we are none of his. 

Christ, our example, became a missionary to fallen 
man, and suffered and died to save a lost and ruined 
world. A.nd since we profess to be his followers, let 
us keep his example ever before us, that we may be 
changed more and more into his likeness. 

Hark ! Hark my soul ! what means that sounds 

That comes o'er hill and dale ? 
It is the cry of none around. 
Nor those in chains of iron bound, 

Who sadly now bewail. 

But lo ! 'tis from the heathen land ; 

For freedom they implore, 
From sin pnd Satan — fatal band, — 
Oh ! who will lend a helping hand; 

To break that fiendish power ? 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 41 

The Son of God himself unfurled 

The banner of the cross, 
To save a lost and ruined world, 
Who were, from Ellen's garden, hurled, 

And thus regain their loss. 

Wilt thou, then, who by his grace, 

Redeemed and saved from sin, 
Still hide the Gospel from their face. 
And leave them in their dire disgrace, 

When we their souls might win? 

CJonfer no more with flesh and blood ; 

Thy Master's call obey ; 
He went about, thus doing good, 
He prayed, and gave the needy food : 

Go thou, and give, and pray. 

I go, I go ; farewell, dear friends, 

With you I cannot stay ; 
Lo, now the heavenly breeze descends ; 
An angel o'er the water bends 

To waft me on my way. 



42 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

I<IN£S ON THE DEATH OF A MINISTER 

II Samuel, 3rd chapter, o8th verse. 

Why toll the bell, this welcome) day,* 

When heaven and earth rejoice ? 
Glad tidings and great joy, they say, 

In one triumphant voice. 
Why gather to the place of prayer 

In attitude of grief? 
'Tis well, for Jesus Christ is there 

To give the soul relief. 

A Patriarch indeed has gone — 

A prince — a faithful friend ; 
But Christ, who in a manger bona, 

Shall consolation send ; 
A faithful servant of the Lord, 

He lived and toiled on earth ;: 
He now receives his last reward 

From him who gave him birth. 

The house of God, where oft he stood. 

Is surely heaven's gate ; 
He entered, for it was not good 

That he should longer wait ; 
Now, in the presence of his Lord 

He sits with priests and kings, 
And roams the fields of glory broad ^ 

Or soars on heavenly wings. 

*Chri9traa». 



GOLDEN MOMKNTS. 4S 

TO REV. J.R . 

Go thou at Christ's bidding, thy mission fulfill ; 
Whate'er he commandeth, do thou his good will ; 
If foreign land calleth, that call thou obey. 
I will thee remember, and for thee I'll pray. 

Or, if in thine own land, thy labors are spent, 

May angels, rejoicing while sinners repent, 

Attend thee through life with their message of love,. 

Conduct thee at last to that haven above. 

And, when from Mount Vernon my steps shall recede^ 

To wander where dwells not a Christian indeed ; 

Where many sit pining without the true God, 

Or Gospel to lighten the path they have trod. 

Remember me, then, while I dwell humbly there, 
And pray that I may remain steadfast in prayer, 
That when God shall call me from hence to the sky. 
My spirit may enter our mansion on high. 



WHAT IS LIFE. 

Oh, what is life ? a holy breath 

Our great Creator gave to man ; 
And when 'tis past, we name it death ; 

The Giver taketh it again. 
But why is life to mortals given. 

So swift its passing moments fly ? 
Oh, it was left a boon from heaven. 

To waft us to a lite on high. 



44 GOLDKN MOMENTS. 

SACRED MEMORIES. 

Grave Autumn with its changing hue 
Onward hath quickly sped, 

Since you and I last bade adieu, 
In different paths to tread ; 

But from my memory hath not passed 

That morning when we parted last ; 

And memory sweet hath often mused 
On those few fleeting hours ; 

For like a harp not often used, 
Amid life's secret bowers, 

My heart had hung silent, till thou 

Touched the same cord that vibrates now. 

Thy theme delights my inmost soul ; 

I claim it as my own ; 
The blood of Christ can make us whole, 

For all our sins atone ; 
Since to his bleeding side I flew, 
I feel the blessing ever new. 

Though parted here on earth awhile, 

Trusting alone in Grod, 
We both receive our Father's smile, 

And each the chastening rod; 
We in his presence shall abide, 
And Jesu5 shall be near our side. 



eOLDEN MOMENTS. 

And now on thy blest natal day, 
Not rolled two scores around ; 

Though far apart, we'll kneel and pray 
That we be ever found 

In the high way of holiness — 

The road that leads to heaven and bliss. 
• ■I ' ■ ' 

TO MARY ROGERS WHEELER. 

Mary, turn and seek salvation ; 

Ask in faith, it shall be given, 
Raise thy prayer in dark temptation, 

Youth may taste the joys of heaven. 

Roam no more from God. thy Maker, 
O'er life's rough, uncertain sea; 

Go, remember thy Creator, 

Endless peace thy joys shall be. 

Rest not on a false foundation. 
Safely trust thy God, to-day ; 

Watch and pray ; for here , temptation 
Hangs around thy flowery way. 

Ever seek a heavenly treasure, 

Ever trust in Jesus' name, 
Leave all earthly care and pleasure. 
Earthly joys, which only measure 

Round the paths of ?in and pain. 



46 80LDEN MOMENTS. 



1,1 NES 



1 Written on learning that a compary of children, who -wet's 
buried by the Jail f)! the '-reinberlon,"' were heard eingiftg 
"We arc going home to die no more."] 

0, wliy should we contend with God ? 
The elements fulfill his word ; 
And when He speaks in heaven above, 
They all obey his voice of love. 

Our flesh may shrink from human race, 
We vainly strive to shun the blow ; 
And when the flames surround us quite. 
Our eyes behold with dread the sight; 

But Jesus speaks, where'er we be, 
"Let little children come to me." 
We 11 gather round his gracious throne, 
And sweetly sing, "We're going home."i 



"SGLDEN MOMENTS. 47 

APVERSITY. 

Adversity is sometiraes thought to be a great evil ; 
but this does not appear to be the design of our heav- 
enly Father, when suffering his children to pass 
through affliction ; and, if rightly understood., we 
should perceive that in many instances it had proved 
a very great blessing. 

We are apt to murmur and repine under the afflict- 
ing hand of Grod, when, if we knew his design, we 
should praise Him for those afflictions. 

The son may be the object of tender parents' care, 
surrounded by all the blessings of life ; but alas ! 
those parents are taken from him by the hand of 
death, and he is left to seek his daily bread. He 
sees not the hand of Providence in this, nor knows 
what blessings it may bring at some future period ; 
but he is learning the wants of mankind, may be, to 
prepare him for a great work ; that of preaching glad 
tidings to many a sad heart. 

The daughter may be the idol of an affectionate 
mother, wdio sits watching her infant during her sleep- 
ing and her waking moments, and listens to the 
first feeble effort to lisp her name. She is encour- 
aged with the anticipation of seeing her become a 
blessing to her parents and a companion in their lonely 
hours ; but adversity comes, and the daughter must 
change the home of her childhood for a home among 
strangers, and the smiles of her parents for those 
-cold and unkind looks which she sometimes meets 
;among the careless and unfeeling. She is led to con- 
^e»plate the character of those with whom she meets,, 



48 OOLDEN MOMENTS. 

and, contrasting the different minds, sbe is enabled 
to gain a knowledge such as cannot he obtained in 
all the researches of science. 

These lessons which she learns will prove bene- 
ficial, and will enable her better to instruct all who 
may need her assistance. Her parents are rewarded 
by seeins; her become useful, and, although deprived 
of their former • anticipations, they rejoice in their 
disappointment. 

Adversity is not only a social, but a spiritual bless- 
ing It shows us our dependence, and our inability 
to do anything without divine assistance. 

The man, living in luxury and affluence, making 
wealth his God, seldom asks from whence it came, 
but flatters himself that it is the creature of his own 
hands ; but let the electric flash, or the volcanic flame 
destroy his earthly idols, and how quick will he 
attribute the calamity te Him who rules above. 

And now, that his earthly hopes have been removed, 
he is left to trace all events, though seemingly un- 
propitious, to the source of all good. He now lays 
up his treasure in heaven ; and although his earthly 
house is consumed, he has a house above whose 
builder and maker is God, 

There is no pair, no scorn, no fear 
We feel, and fain would wipe away, 

Tliat doth not ever bring us near, 
The portals of eternal day ; 

They are but means, that God designed, 

Close to His throne the soul to bind. 



THE A\GEL»S VISIT. 

An angel, pure and holy, 
From mansions far above, 

Was given a heavenly message, 
And borne on wings of love ; 

And, as his flight descended, 
And near the earth he drew, 

He felt the chills of sorrow 

Heaven's atmosphere ne'er knew. 

But still right onward, bearing 

The message of his God, 
With wings ne'er tired or droopiag. 

He reached man's low abode. 
And onward on his journey, 

O'er valley, hill and plain, 
He saw abodes of trouble, 

Of sorrow and of pain. 

But soon he saw where angels 

Had visited before ; 
There dwelt the humble Christians, 

Christ's image now they bore. 

To witness all the customs 
Of this vain world below, 

He stopped once at a mansion 
That he might better know. 

9 



^Stl ^OLJDEN MOMENT.*. 

The matron, kind and gentle. 
Received the stranger there, 

And showed him all her treasures, 
So beautiful and rare. 

And when he told her plainly 

He could no longer stay, 
She asked him from what country 

He journeyed all the way. 

"I have no home, but journey 
While here on earth I stay." 

The lady now grew colder. 
And bade him soon away, 

For she had hoped the stranger 
Was from some foreign shore, 

And that the gold and silver 
Into her lap would pour ; 

And knew not 'twas an angel, 

That stopped there through the night, 

'Till, looking round, she saw him. 
About to take his flight. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 51 

liOST lilXES. 

Once, when my mind was heaving 

Like billows to and fro, 
No worldly thought relieving 

Its ever-chano-ino- flow — 
For, like the mighty ocean 

Whose waters mount to heaven, 
This strange and wild emotion 

My very heart had riven, — 

I caught the scroll with wonder, 

My pen like lightning flew, 
And words rolled out like thunder 

Beneath the sea of blue. 
The broken fountain, gushing. 

Relieved my aching breast ; 
No more I felt the rushing, 

But sank in peace to rest. 

When I arose, the paper 

Lay passive on the stand ; 
I took the lighted taper, 

And held it in ray hand ; 
I read the lines with wonder ; 

No likeness could be traced 
Of lightning, or of thunder ; 

T laid irf; down in haste.* 



02 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

So far are words from telling 

The workings of the brain, 
That power within us dwelling, 

That giveth joy and pain ; 
For like a fire, we feel it, 

Shut up within the bone ; 
No language can reveal it, 

It's left with mind alone. 

I lost the scroll soon after, 

I think it little worth, 
But oft I'm filled with laughter, 

To think I gave it birth ; 
And faintly I remember 

The tumult of the mind, 
On one night in November, 

When fiercely blew the wind. 



^SOLJDEN MOMBN'rS. 5^ 



The bird was made to wing the air, 

The fish to swim the sea, 
But man was made to love, and live 

For immortality. 
Remove them from their element, 

They must unhappy be ; 
So man would be, removed from love 

And immortality. 

Who lives for pleasure and for ease 

Can ne'er the joy see 
Of those who live alone for love 

And immortality. 
For selfishness defeats its end, 

And bringeth misery 
To all, who will not live for love 

And immortality. 



10 



54 #©LDilN MOMBiSXa. 



TO AN ABSENT ONE. 

Dear brother, when our little band 
Are gathered morn and night, 

We miss one step, we miss one hand, 
We miss one smile of light. 

Remembering still that parting kiss, 
-And that last word, "good-bye," 

There is one voice we always miss, 
While tears start from the eye. 

And, as thy birthday comes along, 
We wish that thou wert here ; 

We'd sing to thee a merry song, 
A brother's heart to cheer. 

But since thou art now far away, 
We'll send our love by mail, 

And hope that, on thy natal day. 
No happiness shall fail. 



•OiJ>£N MOM£N'f«, 2»^ 



TO THE FALSE OIV 



We meet no more, but say not thou adieu, 
I ne'er would think that thou art else than true ; 
How would I crush the first approaching thought, 
That seems at all with vague suspicion fraught ; 

And I would think thee good and pure as when 
I first essayed to greet thee with the pen ; 
Ah ! thou hast drawn an image on my heart, 
Which can, thou false one, never more depart ; 

A picture true, which time can ne'er erase, 
E'en though again I ne'er behold thy face ; 
'Tis ever thus, where fond affections dwell, 
Fate severs souls bound by the strongest spell. 



M eOLDEN MOMENTA. 



TO M- 



They tell me, kind stranger, 

That thou hast been seen 
Oft courting the muses, 

Wheie pastures are green ; 
And that thou hast wandered 

Down by the blue wave. 
Where muses, by moonlight, 

Their fairy wings lave. 

Say, which hast thou chosen 

To stand by thy side ; 
And which one hath promised 

To be thy young bride ; 
O, when will the wedding, 

So blithe and so gay, 
Come off, in the Autumn, 

Or not until May ? 

O fain would I witness 

That glorious sight, 
Amid sleeping flowers, 

Beneath the moon's light. 
Just send me a message, 

For if I could know 
The time and the place, I'd 

Be ready to go. 



©OLDEN MOMENTS. 57 



TO ESTHER, 



Many dau2;titers have done virtually, but thou exoellesl (3i«m 
aU.—FKOV. xxxi, 29th. 

Lo, in an ancient palace, 

Were fair young virgins seen ; 
Unknown to wrong or malice — 

Among them moved a Queen- 
In her, the King delighted ; 

And in the royal hall, 
Among the maids invited, 

She was most loved of all. 

For virtues mild adorning, 
Doth shed a steady light ; 

While beauties of the morning. 
Shall fade before the night. 

So like Judeas' daughter. 
Who graced the royal hail ■ 

After the King had sought her. 
Thou dost excel them all. 



58 SOLDES MOMENTS. 

THK POET AND THE COBSL.£R^ 

A colDbler had a youthful friend 

Who was so learned and wise, 
He lold him that the clergymen 

Were demons in disguise ; 
The lawyer was a demon's imp, — 

The doctor was a quack,— 
The poet was a little sprite 

That flew to heaven and back. 

The cobbler did not wish, indeed, 

To disbelieve his friend ; 
He knew of little else himself, 

But boots and shoes to mend. 
A clergyman he'd seen at chiireh, 

A lawyer at the bar ; 
The doctor, too ; but poets, sure, 

I wonder where they are. 

He searched around, thinking to find 

Some one with fairy wings ; 
But nothing could he see or hear 

Of those unearthly things. 
His learned friend at last explained 

To him where lie might find 
A poet in a cottage near. 

An harbor neatly vined. 



He went at once, and as he drew 

Near to the open door, 
He saw some children there at play 

Upon the cottage floor. 
He listened to their laughter wild, 

But soon he was amazed 
To see a being near approach, 

To his enraptured gaze. 

"'This is the poet, then," he thought, 

"Such an angelic thing :" 
What was his wonder not to find 

One feather of a wing. 
He told her, then, for whom he sought ; 

She quickly led the way, 
And bade him follow her along, 

But not a word to say. 

They went above, one, two, three flight, 

Until they found a place 
Where nothing but old papers lay, 

Except an old book-case ; 
The cobbler, then, just tiptoed in 

Behind the poet's chair. 
And at the papers thrown about, 

At once began to stare. 



WOLDiiN MOMENTA. 

He gathered up tbe papers round 

As far as he could see ; 
Up jumped the poet, then, and met 

The cobbler vis a vis. 
When to the cobbler's great surprise, 

There stood John Smith, he knew, 
For he had seen him once before, 

And mended him a shoe. 

The cobbler left, without a word, 

And never looked behind, 
But never thought he should again 

A poet try to find. 
Next morning John went to the shop. 

The cobbler was asleep ; 
He soon began to gather all 

The leather in a heap. 

The cobbler sprang from off the bed, 

Demanding what he meant ; 
The poet, calmly, then replied, 

"The same as your intent," 
"Ah, ah I" the cobbler then exclaimed, 

*'I only meant to go 
To sec a poet, where he lived, 

And what he was, you know. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 6| 

I did not think it yoii, John Smith ; 

33 ut if you are a poet, 
Just step up here and let me see. 

For I am bound to know it ; 
The only difference I see, 

Comparing us together, 
Is, you are made of paper, sir. 

And I am made of leather." 



THE YOUXG PHILOSOPHER. 

LESSON I. 

Natural bodies exist in conformity 

With the great truths here presented to mind ;: 
Found in the science of modern philosophy, 

Governing matter of every kind i 
Atom, attraction, repulsion, inertia, are 

Termed the four truths which in Physics we find. 

Matter is known by its every property, 

Mass is a quantity it may comprise ; 
Density is the comparative quantity. 

Found in the whole given volume or size : 
Mass is in motion when all is not stational, 

Gravity shows where the density lies. 
11 



/)2 OOLDEM MOMENTS. 

jQuickness of motion is known by velecity, 
Motion is measured by time and by space j 

Force or momentum is motion in quantity, 
Found in a body when changing its place ; 

Ji^stimate force as the pressure or motion is 
Made on a body iji every case. 

LESSON II. 

All substance possesses a certain extension, 

Whereby every body fills limited space ; 
Impenatrability shows by dimension, 

No two things at one time can fill the same place, 
All matter is subject to force or compression, 

Which proves that all bodies existing have pores ; 
Susceptible to a degree of expansion, 

As found by the weight of the different ores. 

T;he ultimate atoms w^ find iu division 

Of matter, would indicate limit thereby. 
These atoms ar,e held by the force of cohesion ■ 

Each atom attracting all particles nigh. 
Jn solids, cohesion exceeds the repulsion ; 

In liquids, the forces are equally seen ; 
%n vapors, repulsion exceeds the cohesion, 

Enlarging tjie spaces existing between. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 6S' 

When substance elastic is changed by compression, 

Kemove all the pressure the form is regained, 
Unless it exceeds the great force of cohesion, 

Existing between all the atoms contained. 
All bodies exhibit mobility ever, 

Admitting of various changes by force ; 
Inertia of matter shows that it has never, 

A power itself to effect its own course. 

The force of attraction is called gravitation, 

And is in all bodies terrestrial found ; 
The unit or standard is by calculation, 

The force of the pressure expressed by a pound. 
The pressure of gravity is in proportion 

To matter of which the whole mass is composed ;• 
All bodies though different have the same motion, 

Whatever their density may be supposed. 

LESSON III. 

If we the simple powers review, 

We find them six in all ; 
The lever first and last the screw, 

Mechanical we call. 

There are three kinds of levers straight, 

Made of a simple bar ; 
Each have a fulcrum, power and weight, 

Though different they are. 



64 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

Thoi first the fulcrum fills the space, 

Between the other two ; 
Second the weight now takes its place, 

And third the power we view. 

The centre of the motion then, 

Is where the lever rests ; 
The power gained has ever been, 

Put to a certain test. 

For if you wish to raise a weight, 
With only half the trouble ; 

The power's distance then we state, 
Should from the prop be double. 

LESSON IV. 

The screw is used in any case 
Where pressure is to be ; 

Exerted through a little space j 
In any great degree. 

A hollow screw revolves around 

A fixed or solid one ; 
A board upon the top is found, 

By which the pressing's done. 

^Material to be compressed. 
Must always, it will seem, 

Be placed upon the board to rest, 
Between the screw and beam. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 65 

Then may the handle at the end, 

One hundred inches move ; 
The distance of the threads depend 

Upon the spiral groove. 

The power gained then by the press, 

One hundred times will be ; 
The board is ninety-nine times less 

In its velocity. 

LESSON V. 

You see the windlas at the well, 

We by the hand will turn ; 
Its power we always sure can tell, 

If we the radius learn. 

Eor with the handle twice the length 

The radius of the beam ; 
If on it we exert our strength. 

Just double it will seem. 

The wheel and axle moving thus, 

Shows that the power we gain, 
Ef[uals the times one radius 

The other will contain. 

The radius of the axle three, 

The wheels just twenty-four, 
Divide the greater and you see 

There eight, and nothing more. 



66 eOLDEN MOMENTS. 

A power then of any weight, 

If at the wheel applied, 
Will balance at the axle eight, 

The power is multiplied. 

A little wheel they often choose 

To turn a larger one ; 
By means of cogs or teeth they use, 

Much greater work is done. 

The little wheels on pinions turn 

On axis very small ; 
But of their power you soon may learn, 

They drive the wheels and alL 

The teeth in number two may be. 

Just double number one ; 
And two, if multiplied by three, 

Shows how the third will run. 

Then while the first one turn will take, 

The second will make two ; 
The third three times the second make ; 

Thus any number through. 

LESSON VI. 

The pulley is a block of wheels, 

Each with a little groove ; 
Though sometimes fixed, it sometimes yields, 

And by a cord will move. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 67 

The cord is fastened at the end, 

Then round the pulley rolled ; 
On what the power will depend, 

Can readily be told. 

For any weight can be sustained 

Just by a single pound ; 
The power or advantage gained, 

Is, as the cord is wound. 

Now if the cord is put around 

Four pulleys and no more ; 
A power of a single pound 

Will always balance four. 

LESSON VII. 

A horse will draw a load to mill, 

With greater ease you find, 
When any distance up the hill 

More gently is inclined. 

And thus in lifting up a weight, 

If you would power gain, 
Do not attempt to lift it straight, 

But make inclined a plane. 

Now with its height one third its length, 

The power would be three ; 
It only takes one-third the strength 

To lift the weight you see. 



68 GOLDEN MOMENTS- 

The next in order is the wedge. 

Its power will depend 
Upon the sharpness of the edge, 

Or thickness of the end. 

Thus if its length should ecjual ten, 
Its thickness only two, 

A pressure on the end would then 
Five times the labor do. 



OOLDEN MOMENTS. 69 

TO EMMA* 

How oft vain fancy gazes 

On pleasure's fairest flower, 
While high ambition raises 

Imaginary power. 

But there's a higher pleasure 

Than fancy ever knew ; 
It comes with steady measure, 

As falls the evening dew. 

'Tis found in wisdom only, 

In flower, in shrub, in tree ; 
In sunshine, and when lonely 

We wander by the sea. 

Each orb a lesson teacheth. 

Of that bright world on high, 
Where pleasure never sleepeth, 

And virtue ne'er shall die. 

Then twine thy wreath of pleasure, 

With an immortal flower ; 
And then a heavenly treasure, 

Shall flourish in thy bower. 



70 GOLDEN MOMENTS 



PAINTING A THOUGHT, 

He's painting a thought, yes, he's painting a thought^ 
How strange, yet how truly the image is T<^roiight ; 
'Tis love lights the eye of that maidenly form, 
Whose heart is now gushing with thoughts that are 
warm. 

O whence comes the power of genius and might, 
To paint all the passions in colors of light ? 
It conies from the Giver who reigneth above, 
Whose name and whose nature forever is Love. 

Ood painteth his thoughts on the flowers of the fields 
In various colors his mind is revealed : 
The bright tint of morn and the glow of noonday, 
The shadows of evening enshrouded in grey, — 

Are nought but the thoughts of the Power unseeii^ 
Though everywhere present, a veil is between ; 
But soon shall the veil of the flesh be removed, 
O then may we stand in his presence approved. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 71 

THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS. 

The day had departed — each sorrow and mirth 
Was hushed in the silent embrace of the earth : 
The cool breath of evening, o'er mountain and plain, 
Was wafting sweet odors, distilled by the rain. 
I lay on my pillow, in vain tried to sleep, 
While sickness and sorrow oft' caused me to weep ; 
[ felt a strange longing I could not define, 
But full well I knew it was something divine. 

Ten summers had passed since my father had died, 

And left me without a protector or guide ; 

He, too, long had suffered with sickness and pain, 

But never would suffer such sorrow again. 

How strange the emotion, when there near the bed, 

I felt his dear presence, and thought him not dead, 

But after the absence of years had returned ; 

And 0, to embrace him my heart truly yearned. 

I saw naught, I heard naught, but still I was sure 

His presence was with me, angelic and pure : 

The vision departed, but still he is near. 

To guard me in danger, then why should I fear ? 

For God, in his mercy, an angel doth send 

To comfort his children, when sorrows attend : 

Those dear ones though seen not are oft by our side, 

To bring us the blessings that God doth provide. 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 



FRAGMENTS. 



It was a fine April morning. The air was warm- 
er than usual, and a clear blue sky bespread the 
heavens as Mrs. Howe stepped on board the cars for 
the little village of Dalton. But April skies are 
changing, and soon a little cloud was seen, and a 
squall of snow and rain passed over, leaving the 
air somewhat cooler. 

As she stepped from the cars on her arrival, she 
learned that her friends were absent, and would not 
return for some time. But having come from a be- 
nevolent purpose, she found it necessary to remain. 
She therefore improved the first opportunity in se- 
curing a convenient situation where she might await 
their return. She was directed to a Mr. Quinham, 
who resided in a small cottage, on one of the princi- 
pal streets of the village. After finding her way to 
the door, she was met by a woman with small ner- 
vous-looking eyes, who proved to be Mrs. Quinham 
herself. She immediately stated her errand, and it 
was soon decided that this should serve as a tempo- 
rary home for Mrs. Howe until her friend's arrival. 
A coach was therefore sent to bring her i^gga^e, 
while refreshments were being prepared ; after 
which, Mrs. Howe begged leave to rest herself a 
while on the lounge in the sitting-room. "While ly- 
ing there she fell asleep, and dreamed that she was 
in a bed-room below, in one corner of the house, 
And that while standing there, she saw a huge ser- 
pent coiled up on the bed. She was somewhat alarm- 
ed at first, but was assured by one standing near, that 



GOLDEN MOMENTA. 7»^ 

it. was dead. And at lirst siglit, the oye.s did look 
dull and dead ; but on approaching the reptile, then 
brightened up. She now began to move towards 
the door, carefully watching the eyes ot the serpent, 
which followed her ; after which she observed the 
head also moving stealthily towards her. She now 
opened the door, and without much delay made her 
escape. Endeavoring to close the door behind her^ 
she discovered the serpent thrusting his head at her. 
Upon this, she suddenly awoke. 

When she arose, Mr. and Mrs. Quinham were 
quietly seated in the room. She began to converse 
with the latter, who kept up such a constant winking 
^nd blinking all the while, Mrs. Howe began to feel 
not a little nervous herself. She therefore next ad- 
dressed herself to Mr. Quinham, who sat sleeping 
in the corner ; but soon aroused on finding himself 
noticed. After numerous topics, religion was intro- 
duced as the subject of conversation. 

Thus far, his wife had sat quite composed, but on 
hearing the word religion, she instantly arose and 
commenced moving chairs, rattling crockery and the 
like ; until they could scarcely hear their own voices, 
and were at length obliged to desist. 

An aged female now entered the apartment ; her 
frame was slightly covered from the shoulders, and 
as she turned toward Mrs. Howe, her head and 
neck moved in a serpentine manner. And as their 
eyes met, it was with difficulty that Mrs. Howe could 
retain her self possession until she could leave the 
room. 

Mrs. Howe was one who was not easily affected 
1.3 



74 



GOJiDEN MOMENTS. 



by dreams ; but there was such a striking resein- 
blance between the eyes, head and neck of the form 
before lier, and the serpent in her dream, that she 
could not suppress the fear that they might be ahke 
in nature. As soon as she felt sufficiently com- 
posed, she expressed a wish to retire to her own 
room ; when to her surprise, Mrs. Quinham led the 
way clear through into a little corner room. Here 
she was informed that the aged female she had just 
met in the sitting-room, should be her future com- 
panion and room-mate. Finding herself once more 
aJone, she threw herself on her knees, and asked the 
protection of her Heavenly Father, not forgetting all 
His past blessings, which He had so bountifully be- 
stowed. Before she arose, some one entered the 
room, but soon left, shutting the door in a hurried 
manner, at the same time uttering something, she 
(Could not understand what. Having no desire to 
leave her room, she remained until the bell rang to 
call the family to their evening repast. 

After tea, Mrs. Howe was occupied in perusing a 
small volume, which she had taken from her trunk 
for that purpose. Mr. Quinham, anxious to make 
himself interesting, enquired the title of the work 
she was reading ; after which he went on to state 
his opinion of different authors ; and thus the con- 
versation continued for some time. Before retiring 
to his room for the night, Mr. Quinham requested 
Mrs. Howe to read a chapter fr m the Bible ; but 
no sooner had she taken the holy book from the side- 
board, than Mrs. Quinham, taking a newspaper, de- 
liberately seated herself at the table, and as the for- 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 7^ 

mei* began to road "Bebold what maimer of love the 
Father hath bestowed upon us." The latter com- 
menced such a rattling with the paper> that the 
reading could scarcely be heard. Nothing daunted, 
however, Mrs. Howe raised her voice and succeeded 
in reading the chapter through, notwithstanding the 
continual annoyance caused by the vehement rattling 
of the paper. x\s soon as she closed, the rattling 
ceased. 

She now retired to her room. She again bowed 
humbly before Grjd, but soon the door rattled, and 
She arose, thinking it might be her room-mate ; but 
she now clearly saw it was done to annoy her. Af- 
ter closing her door again, she knelt the third time, 
and began to pray. The same rattling of the door 
was heard, but she heeded it not. Then she heard 
loud voices, and a weight fell heavily on the floor. 
She arose, opened the door, but the draught of air 
extinguishing the light, unabled her to discover any 
one there. But the sound of female footsteps were 
distinctly heard retreating through the dining-room. 
After Mrs. Badger (for this wrs the name of the 
aged woman) came to the room, they both retired to 
rest. 

The next morning, Mrs. Howe being somewhat 
indisposed, did not venture beyond the little yard 
in front of the house. She had therefore time to 
consider the propriety of stopping where there 
seemed to be no prospect of usefulness. 

In the afternoon, she took a short walk on some of 
the more retired streets. She at length came to a 
large, but rather ancient looking house, in front of 



76 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

whicli stood a number of large elms gently waving 
in the cool breeze. On the left was a beautiful 
flower garden. Mrs. Howe approached the door 
and rang the bell, which was answered by elderly 
looking lady, who bade her walk in ; at the same 
time calling her sister who was feeding the chickens 
in the back yard. Presently the sister came for- 
ward, and introduced herself as Miss Pinkham, with 
some self-complacency ; indicatina; thereby that she 
was mistress of the establishment. Finding that 
Mrs. Howe was a stranger, she politely invited her 
to spend the remainder of the time with her. 

Her family consisted of herself, and aged sister, a 
niece; and two or three young ladies employed in 
the village. Miss Pinkham was above the middle 
age and rather of a communicative turn. Having 
always resided in the village, she was prepared to 
give any important information which might interest 
a stranger. She commenced by giving a history of 
the old stand, as she called it, and taking Mrs. 
Howe over the house, she showed her all the rooms 
below and above. Among the latter she showed her 
one th?t was to be hers for the present. It contained 
two beds ; one of which was already occupied by one 
of the young ladies, who was not expected till after tea. 
Mrs. Howe retired to her room quite early that 
night, not forgetting to leave the light for the young 
lady who came in soon after. 

As Marrian entered, Mrs. Howe remarked that 
she had left the light for her ; to which she replied 
in a very pleasing manner. She conversed quite 
fluently for some time, relating with great accuracy 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 77 

facts connected witli some parts of her own history ; 
other parts were passed over in a manner, that the 
careful observer would not fail to discover something 
there which she wished to conceal. 

The following morning, while the young ladies 
were enjoying themselves below, Marrian silently 
withdrew, and sought the company of Mrs. Howe, 
who was not a little surprised at her restless appear- 
ance. . During Mrs. Howe's conversation with her 
that morning, she saw a silent tear fall unbidden 
from her eye. Mrs. Howe asked the cause of her 
grief, she confidingly replied ; and from her own 
statements Mrs. Howe learned that she was left 
an orphan in infancy, and had been cared for by a 
rich family, who had indulged her fastidious mind 
with everything she desired. At the age of fifteen 
she became dissatisfied, and resolved to leave forever 
her home of wealth and ease, choosing rather to seek 
her own pleasure, than to receive the kind reproof of 
her adopted parents. Three years had passed, and 
still she remained an alien from those who sought 
her highest good. 

Mrs. Howe did not question her in relation to the 
past ; but pointed her to Him who taketh away 
the sin of the world ; and endeavored to give that 
instruction which she deemed best calculated to 
awaken the mind of Marrian to a true sense of her 
own sinful state. But Marrian, like many others, 
continued to put the subject by until a more conve- 
nient season, — saying, she was yet too young ; and 
that evening she was seen at a public place of 

14 



78 60LDEN MOMENTS. 

amusement, apparently unconscious of her sjuilt and 
danger. 

The next day Mrs. Howe saw her but seldom ; 
but when the evening came she again retired to her 
chamber with a sad countenance. The week had 
now closed, and the Sabbath of rest was at hand. 
Again Mrs. Howe discovered the falling tear, for 
Marrian was weeping. That evening they retired 
in silence. 

On the following evening, they a^gain met. Mar- 
rian had just returned from her mother's grave, 
where she had been in company with her friend 
Charlie Brighton, to whom she expected soon to be 
united. For some moments they sat silently 
watching the gold and purple clouds, melting un- 
consciously away, 'till the grey evening was seen 
spreading its wing over the most remote dwelling 
in the little village. When Marrian began, by 
stating that they had been at the grave of her 
mother, and while there, she asked her friend's 
opinion of the future state, to which he indifferently 
replied. 

It was now evident to Mrs. Howe's mind, that 
the Holy Spirit was striving with Marrian indeed. 
For what but the Spirit of God led her to speak or 
even think of this all-important subject. 

After hearing Marrian through, Mrs. Howe 
asked her what she thought of the subject. She at 
first endeavored to answer in aS indifferent a man- 
ner as her friend. Mrs. Howe feeling this was no 
time for argument, gently arose, taking from the ta- 
ble her own private journal, commenced reading an 
extract from her own experience, emphasizing those 



OOLDKN MOiMENTS. 79 

parts that she wished to make impressive. Before 
Kshe had read far, Marrian again wept. Laying the 
journal aside, she asked Marrian if she did not 
think it much better to have that assurance in her 
own heart, than to remain in uncertainty, hoping 
merely that God in some way would eventually 
save her. 

"Oh!" said Marrian, "if some one had only spo- 
ken to mc on this subject three years ago ! But it 
is too late now." To which Mrs. Howe replied, 
"My dear girl, you said yesterday you were too 
young ; and now you think it is too late. But do 
not despair ; you are not too young, neither is it too 
late, but whenever you are willing to yield your 
heart to God, that moment God will accept you. — 
And then she added, "Would you not like to be a 
Christian ? 

" Y'es," said Marrian, "but I am such a great sin- 
ner." "But do you not know," said Mrs. Howe, 
"what is first necessary in order to become a chris- 
tian ?" Marrian casting an enquiring look at Mrs. 
Howe, replied in the negative. "Well," continued 
Mrs. Howe, "it is to feel yourself a sinner. If you 
never feel that you are a sinner, you will never see 
the need of a Savior. The Holy Spirit first- opens 
our eyes to see our lost condition, and the word of 
God points us to Jesus Christ as our only hope of 
salvation. Yes the Holy Spirit truly takes of the 
things of Christ, and shows them unto us. And its 
the Holy Spirit that is now moving you to seek the 
Savior. Will you now yield, and be saved by grace 
through faith on the Son of God ?" 



80 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

This was an important moment with Marrian. 
A-fter a short pause, they both knelt together. — 
Marrian began to weep, while Mrs. Howe offered 
up a short prayer in her behalf. The door now 
unclosed and one of the young ladies entered for 
the purpose of lighting her lamp, but started back 
on seeing they were both kneeling. Mrs. Howe 
spoke softly to the young lady and asked her to 
kneel, but she did not feel inclined to unite with 
them, and soon retired to her room. Marrian, 
who continued kneeling, requested that the other 
young lady, who was professedly pious, should be 
invited in. She came, but did not seem much 
interested in the subject. Mrs. Howe asked Mar- 
rian if Misa Pinkham should be permitted to 
pray with her. She replied in the affirmative. — 
Mrs. Howe immediately descended the stairs, and 
stated the case of Marrian in a very plain and 
simple manner. But Mi.5S Pinkham at first de- 
clined, as it was getting late, and thought she h ad 
better wait till morning. Mrs. Howe urged the 
case, however, and at last she consented to pray 
with Marrian, provided she would come down to 
her sitting room- When Mrs. Howe returned, 
Marriatn arose from her knees, and went down. — 
And there they all knelt and engaged in prayer 
for Marrian, who exclaimed, in much distress, 
*'Will God forgive me ! Oh, will He forgive me ?" 
Mrs. Howe assured her that God would forgive 
her, just as quick as though there was not another 
sinner in the world ; and that she might claim Him 



GOLDEN MOMENTS. 81 

as hei' Savior, whenever she would give Him her 
whole heart. 

Marrian's grief subsided, and all was silent. — 
Miss Pinkham arose from her knees, but Marrian 
heeded it not. Mrs. Howe turned her face to- 
wards Marrian whose eyes were still directed heav- 
enward, and there she saw that once restless heart 
now calmly trusted in her risen Lord. And when 
Mrs. Howe gave her hand to lead her to the chamber, 
«he, whether in the body or out, was so absorbed in 
the contemplation of heavenly things, that she 
seemed for the time almost unconscious of surround- 
ing objects. 

As they entered the room, Marrian bursting in- 
to a flood of tears, exclaimed "I shall always have 
reason to bless the day that T ever saw your face." 
"You must praise God for that," Mrs. Howe re- 
plsed. "I do," said Marrian, "from my heart 
thank and praise Him, that you have been permitted 
to assist me, so unworthy of this great blessing." 

She then desired to see her adopted parents, that 
she might ask their forgiveness, and tell them how 
she had found the pearl of great price. After re- 
turning thanks to God, they retired for the night. 

In the morning Marrian sought the presence of 
her friend Charles Brighton, and told him frankly 
that she had found the Savior. Charles seemed 
much affected by this, but seemed unwilling to re- 
nounce his favorite creed, and embrace Christ. But 
Marrian, like every true disciple of Jesus, labored 
faithfully and prayerfully until he became an humble 
penitent at the foot of the cross. In a few days, 



82 GOLDEN MOMENTS. 

Mrs. Howe was again requested to meet in the sit- 
ting-room for prayer. Charles, who was now present, 
arose and requested their prayers for him. Mrs. 
Howe, feehng her own weakness, bowed before her 
God and sought strength of Him, who is the strength 
of his people, and then prayed earnestly for the pen- 
itent at her side. Before they arose he too found 
strength in believing. 

Beautiful was the sight to behold those youthful 
worshippers, as they approached the altar, and pub- 
licly avowed themselves disciples of the true and 
living God. 

Marrian's cup of joy was now full. She sent the 
whole account of their wonderful change to her 
adopted parents, who received the news with joy. 
Marrian soon returned to the home she had three 
years before so wilfully deserted. 

Charles Brighton and Marrian were soon united 
in marriage, and are now living to testify to the 
truths contained in the Christian religion. 



CONTEN rS. 



PAGE 

Past, Present, and Future 1 

To My Brother, 2 

Little Jane . . . . 4 

The Mother's Dying Prayer, 7 

To Amanda, 11 

On the Death of a Friend, 12 

A Christmas Scene, lA 

The Happiest Day, ....... 17 

My Lost Bible, 21 

The Far West, 22 

To a Friend, 24 

Ellen Doyle, or the Moonlight Side, ... 25 

Autumn Winds, 32 

On the Death of Miss S. E , .... 33 

On the Death of Miss A. C , 34 

O, Land of our Fathers, 35 

The Soldier's Death 30 

The Hospital, 37 

Thanksgiving, 38 

Missions, 39 

Lines on the Death of a Minister, .... 42 

To Rev. J. R , 43 

What is Life? 43 

Sacred Memories 44 

To Mary Rogers Wheeler, 45 

Lines, 40 

Adversity, 47 

The Angel's Visit, - 49 

Lost Lines, 51 

Love, 53 

To an Absent One 54 

To the False One, 55 

To M , 56 

To Esther, 57 

The Poet and the Cobbler, 58 

The Young Philosophjr, 61 

To Emma, 69 

Painting a Thought. ...... 70 

The Ministry of Angels, ...... 71 

Fragment, '^'^ 



ERRATA. 

2(1 page, 8th line read " Whose face no more we mew. 

3d page 6th line, read "up on." 

33d page, 20th line, read '^speak." 

35th page, last line, read "assail." 

36th page, 1st line, read "soldiers'." 

57 th page, IGth line, read "Judea's." 

72d page, 11th line, read "came for J' 






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